A recent national report reveals that many men tend to seek help from the NHS only when their health has significantly deteriorated, with a particular emphasis on mental health issues. The report, titled “Men’s health: a strategic vision for England,” was released by the Department of Health and Social Care on November 19. It gathered insights from 6,591 submissions over a 12-week period starting in April 2025.
The analysis, conducted over several months, offers a comprehensive overview of men’s health and healthcare experiences in England. One key finding is that a significant number of men delay seeking medical assistance, avoid healthcare services altogether, or only approach the NHS when their condition has worsened.
Participants in the survey highlighted the importance of addressing male-specific cancers and mental health concerns in the upcoming strategy. Mental health, in particular, was identified as a top priority, with concerns about accessing early support being a major issue. Challenges in obtaining timely treatment, suicide prevention, and the need for easier access to screening programs were also emphasized.
However, experts from Flow Neuroscience raised concerns that the survey’s demographic representation was limited, with a majority of participants being between 45 and 84 years old and predominantly white. Younger men, who are also at risk, were underrepresented in the data.
The report points out various reasons why men hesitate to seek help, such as difficulties in scheduling appointments, long waiting times, and a lack of understanding of the healthcare system. Additionally, there is discomfort in discussing mental health with healthcare providers and past negative experiences with medication.
Dr. Kultar Singh Garcha, an NHS GP and Chief Medical Officer at Flow Neuroscience, emphasized the need for alternative approaches to care that do not rely solely on traditional models. He stressed the importance of offering men options that are more accessible and comfortable, including non-drug treatments and simpler pathways to treatment.
In conclusion, Dr. Garcha highlighted the importance of expanding early support services to prevent men from reaching crisis points. He called for the adoption of new approaches that have shown early success within the NHS.